Abstract
Background and Objective:Tissue expansion is a time-tested and frequently used procedure for utilizing local tissue to replace large defects. We aimed to assess the success & complications of tissue expansion in correction of post burn scalp alopecia.Methods:In this study, 30 patients of scalp burn alopecia of 5 to 35 years age group were treated with tissue expansion of the scalp at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014. The area of the scalp loss was within 1/5 to 2/5. Our technique employed an insertion site distal to the area needed to be expanded, attempting to minimize complication like extrusion & wound dehiscence. The patients were followed-up weekly during first month and then fortnightly for next four months.Result:Our study involved 8 male (26.67%) and 22 female subjects (73.33%) with a mean age of 21years. Flame burn accounted for the mostly 53.3% (n=16) of scalp burns & parieto-temporal region was most commonly affected in 33.4% (n=10) of subjects. Desired aesthetic results were achieved in all the patients without any major complication. Minor complication included mild infection in 8 (26.67%), seroma in 4 (13.33%) & wound dehiscence in 2 (6.67%) patients.Conclusion:Tissue expansion is a simple, safe, & efficient technique for aesthetic scalp reconstruction. With a simple modification of distal incision and tunneling, we succeeded in minimizing complications. Versatile design of the expanded scalp flap can distribute the expanded hair-bearing scalp properly in the reconstructed recipient site.
Highlights
Scalp is a specialized area of skin which covers the skull
Post-burn alopecia is a common condition requiring treatment of large areas of defects in skin and soft tissue which poses a real challenge to the reconstructive surgeon.[1]
Among the total 30 patients, 8 (26.67%) were male and 22(73.33%) were female with male to female ratio of 1:1.7 The most common etiology of scalp burn was flame burn in 16 (53.3%) patients followed by chemical burn in 8 (26.7%) and scalds in 6 (20%)patients
Summary
Post-burn alopecia is a common condition requiring treatment of large areas of defects in skin and soft tissue which poses a real challenge to the reconstructive surgeon.[1] The psychological impact of such an extensive defect is often quite traumatic for the patient. We aimed to assess the success & complications of tissue expansion in correction of post burn scalp alopecia. Methods: In this study, 30 patients of scalp burn alopecia of 5 to 35 years age group were treated with tissue expansion of the scalp at Bahawal-Victoria Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014. Our technique employed an insertion site distal to the area needed to be expanded, attempting to minimize complication like extrusion & wound dehiscence. Conclusion: Tissue expansion is a simple, safe, & efficient technique for aesthetic scalp reconstruction. Versatile design of the expanded scalp flap can distribute the expanded hair-bearing scalp properly in the reconstructed recipient site
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